Lauer works to hold public servants more accountable

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 11, 2019) — State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) recently filed legislation to impose tougher penalties on government officials or employees who are convicted of stealing public funds.

Lauer said House Bill 1192 would require public servants who commit felony theft by stealing $750 or more in public funds to serve at least 30 days in jail as a part of the sentence. Currently, the penalty for this offense is up to the discretion of the judge and no mandatory jail time is required.

“We need to hold our public servants accountable when theft occurs,” Lauer said. “If passed, this law will be an important deterrent to discourage officials violating the public trust. While I greatly appreciate our hardworking honest Hoosiers in public service, there could be a rare few who feel they can violate our trust by stealing from the public. Public servants should be held to the highest standard, and when that trust is violated, they should serve time in jail.”

Lauer’s proposal includes a provision requiring that a sentence of 30 days is not suspendible, and the person may not earn good time credit while serving the mandatory term.

Lauer said this bill would increase government accountability and protect taxpayers by holding offenders responsible and deterring theft in the future.